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Topic Review (Newest First)

03-26-2008 08:18 AM

sailingdog

Knightsix—

There a very good chance that Libby won't be replying, since the thread is SEVEN YEARS OLD. More likely than not, most of the people in the thread either have boats now or are no longer sailing. Please check the dates on a thread before replying. And please read this post to get the most out of your time on sailnet.

03-26-2008 05:42 AM

knightsix

Sailing in General

Libby - I don't know what your sailing experience is, so I'm just sharing information - not trying to tell you what to do. I've owned and sailed three sailboats (SB) in the San Francisco bay and local areas over the years (one with tiller, two with wheel steering - up to 35'). The only action I ever took was to buy "Sailing for Dummies" to learn sailboat nomenclature and how to sail. As an owner of your own boat - you're the Captain and are not required to take lessons from anyone. Having said that - I've owned a number of power boats in past and any SB with a motor is a powerboat first - so nothing new to learn there except handling characteristics while motoring. I'm extremely independent and after watching others take lessons (at schools for + $1,500 a pop) I felt I could do as well on my own. Frankly, there is absolutely no substitute for hands-on experience. I tore my mailsail twice putting it up full in too-heavy air - BUT - I learned how to remove it from the mast, have it repaired, and put back on again without assistance (and double check wind speed forecasts in future). In SF, repair shops are pretty inexpensive if you bring the sail in yourself - which should hold true just about anywhere. That's the only real problem I ever encountered. Well, there was that time the gib halyard broke, and I had to go forward while underway and haul the gib down by hand and stuff it in the forward hatch - but that was a learning experience as well. Study the rules of the road and you're on your way. I would encourage you to go online and start reading "Latitude38" (latitude38.com). It's the premier magazie (free) for sailing world-wide. It has a planet-wide following and is an absolute hoot to read the 'Letters' section as there are no holds (or opinions) barred there. Tons of practical tips and good bargins on used items. Best advice - watch other SB's and talk to other SB owners - never be shy to ask questions. Best tip on doing things to your boat? - Walk around the marina and see what others have already done to theirs - pick up a lot of pointers that way. Another item - have your boat "Coast Guard Documented" rather than register it thru the state (you can download the info and application). If you plan to cruise outside the U.S. - other countries view the CG Doc as a better indicator than a state issued number - and you don't have to buy or paint numbers / alphas on the bow. You'll be issued a "running" letter from the CG and keep that onboard. After years of manhandling 35' boats (9,000lbs +) - I've decided I no longer need to entertain parties of 7 or more people, and I'm shopping for a pocket cruiser myself - I've found a nice 24' that I like a lot. The reasons: Trailerable (store on the hard - not in the water), NO: inboard motor, filters, oil changes, repair and maintence, transmission, prop, prop shaft, stuffing box, zincs, generators, starter motors and batteries, constant bottom cleaning, and that's just my short list. Most marinas in CA have storage for your boat with free crane (work it yourself) or ramp launch, with free rinse for the boat and OB motor + free use of all of their facilities. There are any number of excellent coastal sailing references published by those who sailed the water before you. Ensure you always carry applicable charts for the area you're sailing and you should be OK. If you haven't done so, you might want to consider an inexpensive navigation lesson - but I'll bet there are any number of SB owners in any marina that would be willing to teach you for nothing more than an exchange of good conversation. Now I'll shut up and you can go sailing !! John

11-23-2001 06:32 AM

1626nrt

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

I''m looking for information on Jay Benford Dories esp. the 34 and 37.5 junk rigged sailing dories. The only two I can find are Moondancer and Badger. Anybody know where these boats may be located? Generally I''m looking at junk rigged boats. Any info. would be nice to receive. Thanks

Norm T.

11-20-2001 06:13 AM

whistler

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

Hi: There is so much to do and so little time. I am a great lakes cruiser and have just purchased an old Ericson 39. She has just returned from 4 years in the carribean and has a lot of goodies on board. My question is where does one start to organize a piece-meal trip south to Bahamas. I want to spend about 4 months a year down in the south (winter). Does anyone know where I can get information on Erie Barge Canal - Hudson River and charts to go outside down to the Chesepeake. Is this a good summertime venture? How long would it take to go from Annapolis to Florida? You see -so many questions and so little time.

Thanks

08-11-2001 08:25 PM

JeffH

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

Actually, with a PHRF rating of 234 the Tartan 27 would be noticeably faster than the Vega at 246. The keel/cb on the Tartan would result in better upwind performance and raised would result in better performance as well. The centerboard can be adjusted to balance the helm under way as well reducing weather helm.

While the Vegas have a strong cult following they have never had any great appeal to me. I have never actually seen an article or heard of one doing either a transatlantic or a circumnaviagtion voyage but that does not mean it did not happen...it just means I haven''t heard of it.

Jeff

08-11-2001 02:15 PM

Libby

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

Hi Jack. Well I took your advice and am strongly considering buying a Vega 27. I have made an offer and we are in negotiations. This one has been dry docked for about 15 years, but appears to be in good condition, as it was kept covered. It has a new diesel, but I would have to complete the installation. I also need to install a holding tank. One reservation is the lack of headroom forward of the main bulkhead, as it would be cramped for living aboard, but it is the first boat I have looked at that I really want to SAIL. Guess that''s what they are for, after all.
You mentioned they routinely did transatlantic crossings. Do you know of any circumnavigations? Are they designed to be offshore / bluewater cruisers? Should I have a lot of confidence in it''s seaworthiness? What boat might be a good comparison? I know the Tartan 27 is much heavier and keel/centerboard, but how would the 2 compare as far as coastal - blue water cruising ability?
Any further suggestions are most welcome from everyone. I am really grateful for the network of support that this message board has provided. Thanks for everyone''s feedback. Happy sailing, -Jen/"Libby"

07-19-2001 05:35 AM

JeffH

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

That will teach me to respond to the "Messages since last visit". I assumed the discussion was of the Westphal 32 One design. Sorry folks.
Jeff

07-19-2001 05:32 AM

JeffH

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

Westphals are open boats and are not liveaboard pocket cruisers and in fact are not even cruisers.
Jeff

07-18-2001 10:48 AM

Libby

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

The Westphal sounds interesting. How might I contact the owner? Where is it located? Thank you for the tips.

07-16-2001 12:19 AM

IronWind

Intermediate sailor seeks advice re: liveaboard pocket cruisers

Libby
Try http://www.goodoldboat.com
They have excellent articles on older boats all fairly cheap.
For a small Boat I would advise a Flicka or a Yarmouth 23, this is based on me just loving the little craft. A they have alot of room.
Although Alburgs and Tartans are good also.
I know where there is a 35 ft Westphal center cockpit {older} with all gear that has fore and aft cabin. Its in bad need of paint but older couple needs to sell it due to health reasons. Is in water but un used in about 3 yrs.. cost I think around $5000
Ive been in the boat as of late and it would be a great liveaboard, with TLC.
And the boat is capable of Blue Water in the right hands.
IronWind

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